Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles are involved in a high number of traffic collisions because automobile drivers have a hard time seeing motorcyclists on the roadway. As an advocate for motorcyclists, the Brannon Law Firm knows the law applicable motorcyclists. Motorcycles are legal motor vehicles, and the drivers and passengers of motorcycles have the same legal rights as those who are in automobiles. When an automobile driver ignores those rights and injures a biker, our litigation attorneys work hard to hold the negligent driver accountable.

Motorcyclists are more at risk for serious injury and death because motorcycles do not have airbags or a metal structure surrounding bikers to protect them when an accident occurs. This means that the damage is done to a biker’s actual body as opposed to a car which acts to absorb part of the impact. While those who wear helmets during motorcycle accidents have a much higher chance for survival, the injuries suffered from motorcycle accidents, specifically brain injuries and head trauma, are far more severe than from a regular car accident. In fact, motorcycle accident victims are 21 times more likely to die than victims of a car or truck accident. Our firm has handled many cases with catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths involving motorcycles. Having an attorney that has experience in this area of law is very important, because brain injuries and head traumas are some of the most complex medical issues to address in court.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Collisions

While almost anything can cause a motorcycle accident, there are certain circumstances that contribute to these crashes in the Dayton area more than others. As a motorcyclist or motorist in Ohio, learning the top causes of accidents can decrease your risk of becoming just another statistic. Avoid these hazards to lower your chances of getting involved in a personal injury lawsuit.

Drivers Turning Left

The most dangerous roadway situation for a motorcyclist is when other vehicles are making left-hand turns. Too often, the turning car strikes the motorcyclist and causes serious injury or death. Vehicles may strike motorcyclists when the latter is going through an intersection or trying to pass the car. Vehicle drivers can easily overlook motorcycles – especially if they aren’t paying full attention to the road. Increase your visibility as a motorcyclist in these situations by wearing bright colors and making sure your lights are working. As a driver, check twice for motorcyclists before making left-hand turns.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents. In 2015, 33% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash. Speeding is a common yet dangerous behavior that can result in a motorcyclist losing control of the bike or failing to stop in time to avoid a collision. Speeding motorcyclists may crash into stationary objects or fly off the road when taking turns too fast. Speeding from other drivers also presents a significant risk. Speeding drivers put motorcyclists at greater risk of rear-end collisions.

Lane Splitting

While there’s no law in Ohio specifically against lane splitting, it’s not a legal roadway maneuver. It breaks other roadway laws, such as staying within the lane until it’s safe to pass another driver. Still, many motorcyclists illegally lane split while stuck in traffic or when they’re otherwise unwilling to wait behind other drivers. Lane splitting puts motorcyclists close to other vehicles, reducing the amount of room both parties have to maneuver. Other drivers may not be ready for a lane-splitting motorcycle, leading to accidents such as a vehicle merging into a motorcycle.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol use for drivers and motorcyclists has caused and contributed to thousands of accidents in Ohio over the years. Drinking and driving/cycling is extremely dangerous for all involved. Even veteran motorcyclists can lose control of their bikes and end up in fatal crashes. Drunk drivers may not notice smaller motorcycles in the roadway, leading to collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 27% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in 2015 had blood alcohol concentration levels of 0.08% or higher.

Dangerous Roadway Conditions

Motorcyclists are more at risk than other vehicle drivers when it comes to roadway hazards, obstacles, and dangerous conditions. Potholes, icy roads, loose gravel, and debris can all cause a motorcyclist to wreck, whereas other vehicles can safely ride over these hazards. In this type of crash, the injured motorcyclist may be able to sue the party in charge of roadway maintenance, such as the city of Dayton. For all types of motorcycle accidents in Ohio, come to the attorneys at The Brannon Law Firm for assistance.

Call a Dayton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Over 80% of accidents involving motorcyclists are not the biker’s fault. Despite this fact, many insurance adjusters will attempt to deny or delay the admission of liability based upon a biker’s “alleged” negligence. We know the insurance company tactics and how to fight them because we have been fighting them for over 40 years. We employ some of the best investigators, accident re-constructionists, and medical experts to hold negligent parties responsible for their wrongful conduct. If you or someone you care about has been the victim of a motorcycle accident and need assistance, the Brannon Law Firm will provide you with a free consultation with one of our attorneys.